Iran's President Apologizes Over Crackdown as Nation Marks 1979 Islamic Revolution Anniversary

Masoud Pezeshkian acknowledges 'great sorrow' caused by violent suppression of protests, as U.S. President Trump suggests sending another aircraft carrier to the region

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Iran marked the 47th anniversary of its 1979 Islamic Revolution on Wednesday, with state TV showing large pro-government rallies across the country. However, the commemoration was overshadowed by President Masoud Pezeshkian's apology for the violent crackdown on nationwide protests that killed thousands and saw tens of thousands detained. Pezeshkian insisted Iran is willing to negotiate over its nuclear program, as fledgling talks with the U.S. hang in the balance. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump suggested sending another aircraft carrier to the Middle East, raising concerns about potential military confrontation.

Why it matters

The anniversary celebration highlighted the ongoing tensions within Iran, with the government's violent suppression of recent protests contrasting with the public displays of support for the theocracy. The potential deployment of additional U.S. military assets to the region raises the specter of further escalation between Iran and the U.S., which could have significant geopolitical and economic implications for the Middle East.

The details

During the anniversary ceremony, Pezeshkian apologized for the 'great sorrow' caused by the crackdown on protests, though he also criticized 'Western propaganda' over the issue. Meanwhile, senior Iranian security official Ali Larijani traveled to Qatar, which hosts a major U.S. military installation that Iran attacked in 2026 after the U.S. bombed Iranian nuclear sites. Trump also suggested sending another aircraft carrier to the Middle East, further ratcheting up tensions.

  • Iran marked the 47th anniversary of its 1979 Islamic Revolution on Wednesday, February 11, 2026.
  • The protests that led to the violent crackdown began in January 2026.

The players

Masoud Pezeshkian

The president of Iran who apologized for the crackdown on protests and insisted Iran is willing to negotiate over its nuclear program.

Donald Trump

The president of the United States who suggested sending another aircraft carrier to the Middle East, raising concerns about potential military confrontation with Iran.

Ali Larijani

A senior Iranian security official who traveled to Qatar, which hosts a major U.S. military installation that Iran attacked in 2026.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei

The 86-year-old Supreme Leader of Iran, whose image was waved by pro-government demonstrators during the anniversary celebrations.

Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini

The founder of the Islamic Republic of Iran, whose image was also waved by pro-government demonstrators during the anniversary celebrations.

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What they’re saying

“We are ashamed before the people, and we are obligated to assist all those who were harmed in these incidents. We are not seeking confrontation with the people.”

— Masoud Pezeshkian, President of Iran (mysanantonio.com)

“Last time we negotiated, last June we were in the middle of negotiation then they decided to attack us and that was a very very bad experience for us. We need to make sure that that scenario is not repeated and this is mostly up to America.”

— Abbas Araghchi, Iranian Foreign Minister (mysanantonio.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case of the violent crackdown on protesters will decide on Tuesday whether to allow any of the detained individuals out on bail.

The takeaway

The anniversary celebrations in Iran highlighted the ongoing tensions within the country, as the government's violent suppression of recent protests contrasted with public displays of support for the theocracy. The potential for further military escalation between Iran and the U.S. remains a concern, underscoring the fragility of the situation and the need for diplomatic solutions to de-escalate tensions in the region.